Background: Alcoholism is the most common form of addiction and a worldwide problem. Alcohol addiction primarily leads to alcohol dependence and on abstinence leads to withdrawal effects. Common pharmacological properties of compounds used against alcohol addiction include anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and nootropic actions. valeriana wallichii known ethnopharmacologically for its sleep-inducing effects have all the above-pharmacological properties. Aim: Here, we screen valeriana for possible anti-addictive potential. Materials and Methods: Effect of valeriana was measured on ethanol withdrawal anxiety using elevated plus maze. The role of valeriana on chronic ethanol consumption (21 days) was measured using two bottle choice method of voluntary drinking. We also measured the effect of the above herb on cortico-hippocampal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. Results:Valeriana was found to reduce ethanol withdrawal anxiety in a dose-dependent manner. The herb also decreased ethanol intake and increased water intake significantly (P < 0.001) after 4 days of administration. Both these effects were potentiated (P < 0.001) by GABAA agonist zolpidem, and not affected by N-Methyl D-aspartic acid antagonist memantine, suggesting the role of GABAA receptor. Chronic administration of valeriana (10 days) also significantly (P < 0.01) increased cortico-hippocampal GABA levels in mice. Conclusion: Thus, valeriana reduced both ethanol dependence and withdrawal in a GABAA-dependent manner showing promising anti-addictive potential.
Abbreviations Used: GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid; CNS: Central nervous system; CPP: Conditioned place preference; EPM: Elevated plus maze; NMDA: N-Methyl D-aspartic acid; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency virus.